Air Filter backfire screen

Moon

Is there a performance gain in eliminating the stock air filter housing backfire screen? I have purchased aftermarket performance air filters but they did not come with a new housing. It looks messy to cut the screen out of the stock housing. Does anyone make a housing without the screen and does anyone believe it helps to eliminate it?

RichBaker

I did it to my 03WR450, last mod I did....didn't notice a big increase in power, but it did clean up a little richness in the midrange that showed up after I put the DWR needle in. So....it did a little bit more on top of everything else. But it was a PITA to cut and clean out all the screen, I prob'ly wouldn't do it again. The YZF guys are lucky, they can just get a 2-stroke cage and put it in....won't work with the WR air box, as far as I can tell from the 'fiche.

Is there a performance gain in eliminating the stock air filter housing backfire screen? I have purchased aftermarket performance air filters but they did not come with a new housing. It looks messy to cut the screen out of the stock housing. Does anyone make a housing without the screen and does anyone believe it helps to eliminate it?

JVP

The reason why Yamaha installed the Backfire Screen was because too many people for some unknown reason use gasoline to clean there filters. When they don't air them out enough and re-oil them the gas stays in the filter. Without the backfire screen the air filter can ignite and you can have a hotseat! If you use the proper cleaners and stay away from gas it should be O.K. to eliminate the screen. I don't know if you going to get that more power though.